HST has a long history of existence and dating since the very beginning of
invention of Morse code. In the early stages of its use it was not part of any
competition but the needs to transmit or receive messages with Morse code
quicker and more accurate existing from the very first moment. The first serious
use of Morse code as competitive activity dating from the mid-20th
century, mainly as competition among army personnel from Eastern Europe. At that
time, the competition was more famous as QRQ ( QRQ – abbreviation from Q-code =
transmit faster ) contest. As part of the International Amateur Radio Union HST
has its first appearance in 1983 with the first European Championship held in
Moscow, Russia. Two more European championship followed, one in 1989 in
Hannover, Germany and third one in 1991 in Neerpelt, Belgium. Officially, the
first World Championship took place in 1995 in Siofok, Hungary. Until 2003, HST
world championship were organized every odd year. Starting from 2004, HST world
championship continued every odd year, while IARU Region 1 HST championship was
officially introduced every even year. Since then, 12 IARU World HST
championship and 8 IARU Region 1 HST took place.

2. Short introduce

HST at its basic is competition where competitors is trying to transmit and
receive the signs of Morse code with the speed as higher as possible during the
certain period of time, usually 1 minute. During the official HST championships,
competitors took part at 4 official test:

A.Receiving of Morse code signs

Competitors are receiving texts
comprised of:

-26 Latin letters with the following format ZGAIB QNEST xxxxx xxxxx

Each text last one minute. A maximum of 5 errors are allowed at each test.
The lowest speed is 50 marks/min. Competitor is allowed to choose up to 10 speed
for receive. Three text can be submitted for check. The best one will be taken
for competitor entry.

-10 figures ( 0-9 ) with the following format 46390 64352 xxxxx xxxxx

Each text last one minute. A maximum of 5 errors are allowed at each test.
The lowest speed is 50 marks/min. Competitor is allowed to choose up to 10 speed
for receive. Three text can be submitted for check. The best one will be taken
for competitor entry.

Each text last one minute. A maximum of 5 errors are allowed at each test.
The lowest speed is 50 marks/min. Competitor is allowed to choose up to 10 speed
for receive. Three text can be submitted for check. The best one will be taken
for competitor entry.

B.Transmitting of Morse code
signs

Competitors are transmitting
texts comprised of:

-26 Latin letters with the following format ZGAIB QNEST xxxxx xxxxx

Each text last one minute. A maximum of 3 errors are allowed at each test.
Competitor is trying to transmit each text with the highest speed possible with
the lowest number of errors.

-10 figures ( 0-9 ) with the following format 46390 64352 xxxxx xxxxx

Each text last one minute. A maximum of 3 errors are allowed at each test.
Competitor is trying to transmit each text with the highest speed possible with
the lowest number of errors.

Each text last one minute. A maximum of 3 errors are allowed at each test.
Competitor is trying to transmit each text with the highest speed possible with
the lowest number of errors.

C. C. RUFZ

- Competitors receive 50 real
amateur radio call signs. Two attempts are allowed. Competitor choose the
initial speed of the first call sign. If received 100% correctly, the next sign
will be transmitted
- with higher speed. If received
with error, the next sign will be transmitted with lower speed. As higher the
speed as more points gain.

D.Morse runner

This test is a simulation of
real pile-up situation. Each test last 10 minutes. Two attempts are allowed.
Pile-up is consisted of 4 calls at each moment. Competitor choose the speed of
operation. As more contact made as higher the score is.

3. Practice

To achieve at least a minimum level of experience and self-confidence a
daily practice is required. For serious results improvement and good results at
international stage, a serious and hard work is mandatory. One of the best
competitors from Italy, Claudio Tata IK0XCB confirms the substantial benefits
from HST practice during his amateur radio activity. We will named few of them:
better receiving capabilities while DX-ing and contesting, greater precision
during transmission with noticeably better rhythm, much better use of the
keyboard during contest ( MR is very similar to CQWW or CQWPX contest software )
etc.

In light of the above, we are pleased to invite everyone at the:

"1st International HST Challenge"

The event will take place on March 12th 2016 at the Ham Fair in
Montichiari in cooperation with:

-”Garda Exhibition Centre”

-”Brescia Contest Group”

-”Radio Amateur Association of Brescia”

The General Sponsor of this event will be ”Officina Begali”.

The competition part of the event will take place on March 12 from 10 am to
4 pm. Due to the limited time at our disposal the competition will consist of
the following tests:

A)
RUFZ - according to the official rules.

The
winner gets 100 points, the rest - proportionately less.

B)
Morse Runner - according to the official rules.

The
winner gets 100 points, the rest - proportionately less.

The
classification will be based on two tests.

Competitors will be divided into three age categories:

1)
Up to 26 years of age

2)
Over 26 up to 50 years of age

3)
Over 50 years of age

There will be no distinction of sex among competitors.

The first three in each category will be awarded with a medal and there will be
NO participation fee. Each country can participate with competitors at any
number in each of the categories mentioned above.

A short demonstration of HST transmission during the event will be presented
by Claudio Tata IK0XCB. We hope, we would be able to add this test to the
competition part of the event in the near future.

The
awarding ceremony will take place during the gala dinner on Saturday night (cost
would be around 35 Euro). During the gala dinner, a lottery for all participants
will be organized. The dinner reservation can be made not later than 12.00 AM on
Saturday.

Those who wish to extend their stay for a night or more, can do that by
making reservation in a nearby hotels. Feel free to mention that you are
participants at the “HST Challenge”. The prices will be around 60-80 EUR for a
double room on a bed & breakfast base.